LDNS LQ SP2025 - final

Leadership Quarterly

Spring 2025

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Leadership Quarterly

Monument Walk with ASU Foundation

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Kicking off 2025 with the first Monument Walk! General Freakley and Ambassador Polt led the Executive Cabinet and Senior Leadership Team from the ASU Foundation on a guided walk in the National Mall, diving into the key principles of character-driven leadership.

General Freakley and Ambassador Polt

Executive Cabinet and ASU Foundation Senior Leadership join General Freakley and Ambassador Polt in the National Mall 2

Leadership Quarterly

Integrated Deterrence Speaker Series ASU LDNS is exploring strategies of integrated deterrence to protect the national security of the United States. Integrated deterrence encompasses not only military strength to deter threats from foreign adversaries, but also other instruments of deterrence in the fields of diplomacy, economics, industrial capacity, national will, culture, education, lawfare, and cyberspace, including social media. Under the leadership of former Ambassador David J. Scheffer and Lieutenant General Benjamin C. Freakley, U.S. Army (ret.), ASU LDNS hosts the Integrated Deterrence Speaker Series with distinguished speakers from professions in government, military, business, and academia. Speakers in 2023 and 2024 included Law Professor Kish Parella, former Justice Department official Eli Rosenbaum, Lieutenant General Robert Schmidle, Jr., USMC (ret.), Lieutenant General (ret) H. R. McMaster, and ASU Professor of Practice Peter Bergen. Speakers in Spring 2025 include Dr. Tom Wright of the National Security Council and Pulitzer Prize winner Roy Gutman and other notable experts with experience in managing integrated deterrence. ASU LDNS also will focus on advancing strategies of integrated deterrence with the new administration in the months ahead. ASU students in particular have been brought into the Lab’s discussions about integrated deterrence.

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Leadership Quarterly American Academy of Diplomacy and Joseph J. Sisco Memorial Fund visit to ASU The LDNS Lab, joined by the American Academy of Diplomacy and the Joseph J. Sisco Memorial Forum presented insights into the new Administration’s America First foreign policy over a two day period at ASU and the broader Tempe area March 4-6. Led by LDNS’ Ambassador Michael Polt, together with Ambassadors Ron Neumann, Deborah McCarthy, and Laura Kennedy, the group highlighted in particular transatlantic relations, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Middle East challenges, as well as Western Hemisphere relations. The group hosted a U.S. Ambassador’s Roundtable Panel Discussion at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, engaged with students at Barrett, The Honors College and met with ASU faculty and university leadership. Rounding out the Washington diplomats’visit was a spirited discussion with students at Tempe Union High School.

Link to the roudtable discussion here

(l-r) Ambassador Michael Polt, Ambassador Laura Kennedy, Ambassador, Deborah McCarthy Ambassador Ron Neumann

Ambassadors engage with Tempe Union High School Students

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Leadership Quarterly

8th IAL Washington Week Highlights An Unforgettable Week in Washington DC! Our time in Washington, DC, was nothing short of incredible! From attending engaging discussions at the Wilson Center and the U.S. Capitol to hearing from thoughtprovoking guest speakers, every moment was an opportunity to dive deep into pressing global issues.

We explored key topics in international affairs, from the crisis in Gaza to U.S.-China relations, gaining insights from experts who shape policies and solutions worldwide.

The experience was truly eye-opening, broadening understanding of diplomacy and global challenges.

From start to finish, the week was filled with energy, learning, and meaningful connections. A special shoutout to our amazing alums, Devin Parker and Shamiah Bullock—your support, expertise, and presence made this experience truly unforgettable! Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this week so special.

We couldn’t have done it without your enthusiasm and support! Here’s to many more Washington Weeks in the future!

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Leadership Quarterly

8th IAL Washington Week Highlights An Unforgettable Week in Washington DC!

Watch “A Glimpse of Washington Week” by LDNS Lab Junior Fellow, Lillian Meyer, here Learn more about the MA in International Affairs and Leadership program here Learn more about the MA IAL Washington Week here

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Leadership Quarterly Monument Walk with the McCain Institute National Security and Counterterrorism Fellowship Program On March 17, the 2025 National Security & Counterterrorism (NSCT) Fellows—16 exceptional professionals representing some of the most influential national security agencies across the Five Eyes alliance—participated in a Monument Walk through the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of their Fellowship. They were joined by NSCT Program Founder Nicholas Rasmussen and led by Ambassador Michael Polt and Lieutenant General Benjamin Freakley, USA (Ret.), both of whom brought a wealth of insight and experience to the day’s reflections.

The walk provided a powerful opportunity for Fellows to contemplate the enduring themes of service, sacrifice, and national resilience while exploring iconic memorials including the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. At each site, the group engaged in meaningful dialogue about the qualities of leadership embodied by these historic figures—vision, courage, humility, and resolve—and how those traits continue to resonate in the challenges faced by today’s national security leaders.

The Monument Walk remains a cornerstone of the NSCT Fellowship experience, grounding the cohort in shared purpose and reinforcing the program’s commitment to cultivating ethical, resilient, and globally minded leadership across the national security enterprise.

McCain Institute Spring 2025 National Security and Counterterrorism Fellows

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Leadership Quarterly

Podcasts and Interviews West Point Association of Graduates podcast: “Lessons in Leadership” with LTG (R) Benjamin Freakley.

What does it take to be a great leader? In this episode, host Jamie Enos sits down with LTG (R) Benjamin Freakley ’75 to unpack the essence of leadership, trust, and lifelong service.

LTG (Ret) Benjamin Freakley

To access the article and podcast, please click here Not Local with Zeke Harker podcast: “The New Universe of U.S. Foreign Policy.”

Ambassador Polt joins Zeke Harker for a deep dive into America’s role on the global stage, the impact of the new administration’s policies, and what can be done to mend strained international relationships.

Ambassador Michel C. Polt

Listen to the podcast here

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Leadership Quarterly

Podcasts and Interviews

Ambassador Edward O’Donnell

Listen to Ambassador Edward O’Donnell’s interview with NPR/ Illinois about trade, tariffs and Panama, in a a two-part series here.

A sold-out crowd filled the Illini Country Club meeting room on February 26 to engage in a lively discussion on the hot-button issues of Panama and tariffs. The World Affairs Council of Central Illinois welcomed a record-breaking 180 attendees, who began the evening with a meal featuring Panamanian cuisine. An additional 40 participants joined later for a presentation by former Ambassador Edward O'Donnell.

Read the article here.

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Leadership Quarterly

Ambassador Michael C. Polt Testifies before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa Ambassador Polt testified on March 25 before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa on the topic of “Streamlined and Rightsized: Consolidating State Department Administrative Services”, addressing the ASU-hosted “Blueprints for a More Modern U.S. Diplomatic Service.

Ambassador Michel C. Polt

Read Ambassador Polt’s testimony here Link to You Tube here

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Leadership Quarterly

Myanmar’s Sea of Sorrow: Waves of Tragedy from Coup to Quake Zaw Tu Hkawng, Arizona World Innovator and Character-Driven Leadership Program Alumnus, Speaks from the Heart on Myanmar Earthquake

Zaw Tu Hkawng

Myanmar is reeling from catastrophe upon catastrophe.

Already gripped by conflict, political upheaval, and humanitarian crises, the country now faces the aftermath of a deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake—its worst in nearly two centuries. With over 3,000 dead and thousands more injured or trapped, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that this disaster has exposed the deep vulnerabilities of a nation already in crisis. Urgent action is needed—before the coming monsoon season worsens an already dire situation.

Read the entire article here

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Leadership Quarterly ASU LDNS Team Pilot ‘Ask-a-Scientist’ Tool with U.S. Embassies

Serving as a U.S. diplomat overseas is a demanding job. It requires strategic problem-solving, adaptability, clear communication, and a deep commitment to fostering mutual understanding in complex international environments. This can leave little time for diplomats to remain up to date on cutting edge science & technology (S&T) knowledge, often helpful for navigating complex 21st century challenges.

LDNS Professor Voth-Gaeddert and his team partnered with the Office of the Science & Technology Advisor to the Secretary and the U.S. Diplomacy Lab at the U.S. Department of State this past year to pilot the ‘Ask-a-Scientist’ tool. The tool provided U.S. diplomats working at Embassies rapid access to S&T experts at ASU. Diplomats were able to submit pressing and locally relevant S&T questions along with their deadlines. A set of ASU experts would then provide tailored responses.

This project is part of a larger initiative led by Dr. Voth-Gaeddert to improve innovation around how U.S. frontline diplomats and S&T experts can be connected to maximize S&T in U.S. Foreign Policy. You can read more about this in a recent publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.13418.

Dr. Lee Voth-Gaeddert

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Leadership Quarterly

Spotlight on Fall 2024 ASU World Innovators (AWI) Study Abroad Intern, Brenden Kazensky Brenden describes his time in Jordan as "fulfilling." Reflecting on this experience, he shares: "The lessons I learned and the skills I developed are ones I will carry with me for the rest of my life. There was never a dull moment, and my experiences were both unique and inspiring. This opportunity allowed me to apply the leadership skills I gained in the MA International Affairs and Leadership program while simultaneously continuing to develop them further. " Read more about Brenden's journey here: https://shorturl.at/GPPWA. To learn more about the AWI Study Abroad Program, click here

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Leadership Quarterly Meet Fall 2024 Fall 2024 ASU World Innovators (AWI) Study Abroad Intern Olivia McDonald

My time in Jordan was a transformative experience that enriched both my professional and personal growth. Before this opportunity, I never imagined traveling to Jordan or learning Arabic. By the end of the experience, however, I had gained a deeper understanding of a place I had never expected to visit and had begun learning a language I had never considered studying. Additionally, I had invaluable cultural experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

My internship with Mohammed Al-Tarawneh was an unexpected and unconventional opportunity that allowed me to develop my character-driven leadership skills. Immersed in a new culture, I engaged in meaningful exchanges that broadened my global perspective. Through language exchange, connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and collaborating on impactful projects, I grew both as a professional and as a leader. This experience enhanced my ability to adapt to new situations, cultures, and environments.

Moreover, I gained valuable insights from those around me about the region’s culture, people, and complexities. These interactions deepened my understanding of cultural exchange and reinforced the importance of practicing character-driven leadership in real-life scenarios.

This experience has significantly contributed to my professional development. I immersed myself in another culture, communicated with individuals who spoke a different language, adapted to diverse environments and situations, and began learning Arabic. I formed genuine connections with people living across the world, gained life lessons from Mohammed Al-Tarawneh, and discovered my capacity to navigate and succeed in unfamiliar settings.

Overall, the cultural depth and knowledge I gained in Jordan make this an experience I will never forget.

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Leadership Quarterly

Drew DeBenedetti Shares His Experience as a Fall 2024 LDNS Lab Fellow

Ambassador Polt is an amiable, intelligent and supportive leader in the LDNS Lab community. Working with him was a pleasure and quickly felt like working with a friend. I appreciated that the Ambassador was always precise in what he would ask for, but was flexible as to how it could be completed. Ambassador Polt will broaden your perspective on global issues, while simultaneously solidifying your beliefs in why the United States, and specifically ASU’s LDNS Lab, should be involved and educate on these topics. I can’t speak highly enough about working with Ambassador Polt and would recommend to anyone else to work with him as well.

During my fellowship, I worked with Ambassador Polt to initiate the development of a roll-out of additional LDNS Lab masterclasses centering around Diplomatic Skills topics. I also reviewed slides and presentations for the current Global Literacy masterclasses delivered by him in the fall. This roll-out involved drafting outlines for webpages that would display information, advantages and oppurtunities for participating in the masterclasses. These outlines would also lay the groundwork for developers tasked with creating new and updated webpages hosted in the LDNS Lab website. As part of this, I also created introduction videos and other materials to accompany the various masterclass programs. I'm very proud of the work I did for this project, and on behalf of the LDNS Lab, during my fellowship.

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Leadership Quarterly Sophia Said Reflects on Her Experience as a Fall 2024 LDNS Lab Fellow

The opportunity to work as a research assistant for Ambassador O’Donnell was an absolute pleasure, and an experience that contributed greatly to my education, research skills and personal academic goals. For starters, Amb. O’Donnell made sure to ask what my research interests were beforehand, so that he may provide me with projects that not only assisted his research, but furthered my own. As I am currently working on my Honors thesis on IsraelPalestine, he provided me with numerous opportunities to deepen my knowledge of this complex topic and explore new dimensions I hadn’t previously considered. His professional experience was invaluable to my project as well, and he served as a great mentor. He has continued to mentor me in this area, even joining my thesis committee to provide ongoing support and guidance.

Beyond my own academic endeavors, I had the opportunity to research topics that I discovered I had a deep interest in. One of these many topics was women’s rights in Afghanistan and the ongoing discourse sourrounding gender apartheid, as well as the Hazara genocide. Following this, Amb. O’Donnell shared with me a foundation he has been helping establish called Alekain, which is a program meant to bring education to Afghan girls. I was greatly inspired by the foundation's mission, and decided to apply as a volunteer. Additionally, I have worked on several other projects for Amb. O’Donnell, including helping create presentations for his masterclasses on subjects ranging from international negotiations to tariffs and supply chains.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Ambassador O’Donnell, whose mentorship and support have had a lasting impact on my academic journey and professional development. I will carry the lessons I’ve learned during this time with me throughout my career.

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